Euro-Atlantic perspective of the Western Balkans is stronger than ever before

Prime Minister and the Coordinator of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs dr Dritan Abazović opened the US-Adriatic Charter A5 Partnership Commission Meeting , hel today in Podgorica, by which the Montenegrin chairmanship of this regional initiative came to an end.

In his introduction speech, PM Abazović pointed out the importance of the Charter for further integration of the region and a common response for challenges which our countries are facing, especially in the context of the war in Ukraine. He thanked all A5 member and observer countries for the support during Montenegro's chairmanship of this initative, especially during the challenging geopolitical momentum. „US-Adriatic charter presents a succesful forum for the demonstration of the significance of NATO's open door policy, for spreading stability and security“, Abazović said. He pointed out that Montenegro condemns Russia's illegal agression in Ukraine, and strongly supports Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, which is clearly proven with the allocation of 11% of funds from Montenegro's defence budget in order to assist Ukraine. „Considering the challenges which strike the security system, and their nature, we are facing  the need to further strenghten the resilience of our societies and countries, and forums, such as this one, enhance regional cooperation and contribute to improving good neighborly relations“, PM Abazović stated. He emphasized the active participation of the United States of America within the Charter from the very beggining as a strong signal of permanent and steadfast commitment of this country to the region and its stability, prosperity and peace.

Within today's event, PM Abazović welcomed Bujar Osmani, the Foreign Minister of North Macedonia, as the next country to take the chairmanship of the US-Adriatic Charter. FM Osmani congratulated his Montenegrin colleague on a succesful chairmanship of the Initative during this year, and stressed that North Macedonia's priorities will be on further improving the cooperation between partner states within the A5. He also reminded that next year, this initiative marks the 20th anniversary, which stands as an additional encouragement for further strengthening its values.

Representatives of A5 members – Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, North Macedonia, and the United States, as well as observers – Kosovo, Slovenia and Serbia participated at the meeting, which was chaired by the Foreign Policy Adviser to the Prime Minister Đorđe Radulović and the State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Miroslav Šćepanović.

During the two working sessions, participants discussed the challenges in the region, created by the endangered security framework in Europe. They condemned Russia's agression in Ukraine and expressed full support to the Ukrainian people in defending their country and identity. Possibilities for future action within the Charter were examined, as well as the mechanisms for further cooperation between member and observer states.

Interlocutors stressed the importance of European and euro-Atlantic integration processes as factors which strengthen stability and resilience to global and regional challenges, such as the health crisis, and hybrid and cyber attacks.

The Joint Statement of the US-Adriatic Charter members was adopted at the meeting, by which the readiness for continuing and deepening regional cooperation based on trust, good neighborly relations and common interests was confirmed. Members supported the adaptation of the Charter in order to adequately respond to the altered security environment. European perspective was recognized as a strong cohesive force and a common vision for the entire region.

During the Montenegrin chairmanship of the Charter, more than 15 high and working level meetings were held, during which member and observer states had the opportunity to analize the security and political situation in the region and, in accordance with that, adopt the existing and create new priorities for future cooperation.